A soccer skills showcase featuring Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney has been postponed after one of the organizers claimed the England pair had withdrawn.
The duo were due to compete in a series of head-to-head challenges alongside Cesc Fàbregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and David Villa at an event called: "A:3K Football at London's 02 Arena".
The event, billed as a "gladiatorial skills-based challenge" featuring black Astroturf and sound and light shows, was due to take place on Saturday 17 July.
It is less than a week after the World Cup final and with five of the six participants enduring a disappointing tournament; the plan is now to run the show next summer instead.
Gerrard and Rooney were not at their best in South Africa, an injured Drogba exited in the group stages with the Ivory Coast, while Ronaldo was starved of possession in Portugal's defeat to Spain.
The Spaniards have fared better, with Villa one of the players of the tournament, but Arsenal captain Fàbregas has had to settle for a place on the bench.
Terry Byrne, director of A:3K, said: "Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time.
"We fully understand and respect both players' decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world – and that is what we promised we would deliver.
"Having consulted all parties involved, everyone agreed the only decision possible was to postpone the event until next summer when we intend to deliver the same six player line-up."
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